Threads of History: A Thematic Approach to Our Nation's Story for AP U.S. History

This is a valuable tool for anyone wanting to understand or teach the connections in United States history. Some charts, such as the one on Wars from the War of 1812 through the Vietnam war, summarize similarities and differences for reviewing. Others clarify confusing concepts, such as the evolution of differences between liberal and conservative throughout the country's history. Practice tests in the back include clear explanations of the correct answers.

Most review books waste the student's time with a lot of factual information which is certainly in whatever textbook the student is using, and then many exams that students practice. Michael Henry does it differently. The factual information that is reviewed uses graphic organizers and charts, so that students see it in context. A student who reviews using a graphic organizer on various "rebellions" not only reviews some facts, but does so in a way that would prepare him or her to answer an essay question requiring the comparison of rebellions. (Recently asked on the exam, as a matter of fact). So using this book helps a student in two ways: if a multiple-choice question came up, or if the fact, event, or person could be useful in an FRQ. I also like the way multiple-choice questions are interspersed throughout the book, so as the student reviews he/she has the chance to see what questions might come up. This encourages a review that might go on for an hour a day over a month, rather than the much less useful last minute all-night cram. Last year a student said, "This book made so much clear to me that wasn't before!" That may not say much good about my teaching, but it certainly says something about the book.

This is an outstanding tool for AP US History test review. The book is broken down into "threads" that show correlations between historical events. For instance, there are threads for Civil Rights Leaders, Compromises in US History, Wars, etc- tons of them. While there are all sorts of review books out on the market, this is the only book I have seen that breaks history down in that manner. In addition to the threads, there are also two full-length practice tests. You can get these in any review book, but paired together with the first section makes this probably THE most valuable review material I have purchased. While students could definitely benefit from this book, I think it is more geared towards teachers who would use these items to review with their students.